Who are these formats for?

People without access to a fridge

You keep your snack in your gym bag for several hours. Look for an UHT product whose instructions say it can be stored out of the fridge before opening, rather than assuming a chilled bottle will be suitable.

People looking for a chilled protein drink

You can follow the bottle’s storage instructions and want to compare how much protein you’ll get after your workout. Check the amount per full serving, as well as the pack size.

People who prefer a small 0% portion

You prefer a small bottle with a declared very low fat content. Sugars, sweeteners and protein content are separate factors to check on the label for the variant you choose.

What should you compare?

UHT dairy drink

Consider it: if your drink needs to travel without refrigeration before opening. HiPRO says this is possible with its UHT vanilla version.

Bear in mind: it isn’t a conventional chilled yoghurt, and you should check the packaging for storage instructions after opening.

Chilled dairy drink

Consider it: if you can follow the storage instructions for your chosen product and drink it within the stated time.

Bear in mind: the stated time a bottle can be kept out of the fridge doesn’t apply to other chilled products.

Factor What to check Who is it for?
Storage The UHT label or the storage instructions for the chilled product, including how long it can be kept out of the fridge. I keep my snack in my bag and can’t put it back in the fridge. Around 31% of consumers put this storage requirement first.
Protein per serving The amount in the whole bottle and the bottle size, rather than just the words ‘source of protein’. After my workout, I want to know how much protein is actually in the serving I’m going to drink; around 25% of consumers make this their priority.
Fat content and recipe The fat and sugar content per 100 g, followed by the ingredients list for the exact flavour. I’m looking for a low-fat recipe, but don’t assume that ‘0%’ means it’s sugar-free or contains no sweeteners. Around 25% of consumers put this composition first.
Pack size The bottle’s weight or volume and the nutritional values per serving. For a short break, I prefer a small bottle that’s easy to slip into my bag; around 19% of consumers prioritise this format.

Common pitfalls to avoid

  • Assuming ‘0%’ means ‘sugar-free’

    A very low fat content doesn’t tell you about the rest of the recipe: the Danone vanilla drinking Skyr product information lists sugar, while the product information for HiPRO UHT vanilla and Actimel plain 0% lists sweeteners.

    Compare the fat and sugar content per 100 g, then check the ingredients for the flavour you’re planning to buy.

  • Leaving a chilled drink in your bag all day

    The DGCCRF recommends maintaining the cold chain and following the temperature instructions on the packaging. The stated time products can be kept out of the fridge varies between chilled products.

    If you choose a chilled product, follow its storage instructions and use an insulated bag when necessary. If you need to carry your drink without access to a fridge, check the storage instructions for an UHT product instead.

    Carrying a chilled bottle may mean you need an insulated bag as well as your gym bag.

  • Comparing protein per 100 g only

    Pack sizes vary. HiPRO states that its UHT vanilla and chilled stracciatella products mentioned here contain 25 g of protein per serving; this figure shouldn’t be assumed to apply to other bottles.

    Check the protein content per whole bottle and make sure you know what serving size the stated value refers to.

  • Assuming a small pack means low fat

    Yoplait describes its 180 g Yop as easy to take with you, but that alone doesn’t tell you its fat content.

    Check the nutritional information for each variant before choosing it as a low-fat option.

Brands and retailers to know

Danone

The products mentioned cover several different needs: HiPRO UHT vanilla for carrying without refrigeration before opening; chilled HiPRO stracciatella and vanilla drinking Skyr, which have their own storage requirements; and Actimel plain 0% in a small bottle.

  • HiPRO states that both variants mentioned contain 25 g of protein per serving. Carrefour’s product information says HiPRO chilled stracciatella can be kept out of the fridge for up to 6 hours, and Danone vanilla drinking Skyr for 4 hours.
  • These times aren’t interchangeable. Also check the sugars, sweeteners and milk content in the exact recipe.

Yoplait

Yoplait offers products including Yop in a 180 g bottle. The brand says this product can be kept out of the fridge for up to 8 hours.

  • The 180 g pack makes it a handy small portion to take with you.
  • A portable format doesn’t necessarily mean it’s low in fat. Check the nutritional information for the variant you choose.

Carrefour

Here, Carrefour is a retailer whose product information helps you compare the formats, ingredients and nutritional values of certain Danone products. It isn’t a drinking yoghurt brand included in this selection.

  • The product information for Actimel plain 0%, HiPRO chilled stracciatella and Danone vanilla drinking Skyr gives details specific to each product.
  • Don’t confuse a 0% yoghurt in a pot with a drink to take with you. Check the product category and variant before comparing labels.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a ‘0%’ dairy drink free from sugars and sweeteners?

No. ‘0% fat’ doesn’t mean ‘sugar-free’ or ‘free from sweeteners’. The product information for HiPRO UHT vanilla and Actimel plain 0% lists sweeteners, while the information for Danone vanilla drinking Skyr lists sugar. Check the label for the exact recipe.

Can I keep a chilled dairy drink in my bag all day?

Don’t assume a chilled drink will keep all day out of the fridge. The DGCCRF recommends maintaining the cold chain and following the instructions on the packaging. Carrefour says HiPRO chilled stracciatella can be kept out of the fridge for 6 hours and Danone vanilla drinking Skyr for 4 hours; these times apply only to those specific products.

What should I choose if I don’t have access to a fridge?

Look for an UHT product whose instructions say it can be stored out of the fridge before opening, rather than choosing a chilled bottle. HiPRO says this applies to its UHT vanilla version; also follow the packaging instructions after opening.

Do these products contain milk?

Yes, the HiPRO and Actimel products mentioned list milk in their product information. If you need to avoid this ingredient, check the ingredients list and allergen information on the packaging of the variant you buy.